Week commences on negative note

ASPI edged down due to price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Asiri Hospital Holdings and Sampath Bank with turnover crossing Rs 848 Mn. Meanwhile, S&P SL20 behaved in a similar manner. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Lion Brewery, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Janashakthi Insurance Company and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Lanka Orix Leasing Company. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Janashakthi Insurance Company, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.17%. The share price of Janashakthi Insurance Company decreased by Rs 0.30 (1.08%) to close at Rs 27.50. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs 4.00 (1.24%) to close at Rs 319.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs 2.00 (0.80%) to close at Rs 248.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.48%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 1.50 (0.94%) closing at Rs 158.50 whilst foreign holdings increased by 692,393 shares.

Lion Brewery was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lion Brewery edged up by Rs 0.10 (0.02%) to close at Rs 550.10.

Furthermore, B P P L Holdings announced its interim dividend of Rs 0.24 per share.